BUILDING work could soon start on a unique “fat camp” in Suffolk following investment by a local businessman.

Anthony Bond

BUILDING work could soon start on a unique “fat camp” in Suffolk following investment by a local businessman.

Glen Moulds wants to build a purpose-built training camp called EAT4U which will combine education and physical exercise to help obese people lose weight.

The programme will involve a seven-day residential course which will include a behavioural therapy team and chefs educating those taking part about the best ways to shop, cook and eat food.

Mr Moulds had planning permission granted last week to build the camp at Academy Health and Fitness Centre in Barrow, near Bury St Edmunds, but still needed to raise £150,000 before he could start the building work.

But after reading a story about the plans in last Friday's EADT, a businessman contacted Mr Moulds and offered to put up the full amount of money.

Mr Moulds said: “I am absolutely ecstatic and a bit light-headed. I did not expect it to happen quite so fast and it is brilliant to be able to move forward with it.

“I think it is going to be bigger than people realise. Weight problems and obesity are major issues whether you live in Suffolk or any other county in the UK and it will be fantastic to have this on our doorstep. It will have a major impact in the county and I think we will see lots more people throwing their weight behind it from the private and public sector.”

Mr Moulds is looking to get celebrity backing for the camp and has already written to Jamie Oliver and Sir Richard Branson. It is hoped that this first camp in Suffolk could lead to other franchises across the country.

People looking to complete the weight loss programme will have to pay £1650 and will be subject to strict entry criteria including interviews and questionnaires.

Once at the camp residents will undergo six hours of physical activity everyday, including an assault course as well as walking and yoga. There will also be three hours of classroom work to educate residents on how to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Once they have completed the one week residential course, the clients will return home for six weeks where they will keep in regular contact with their mentors before returning for a final weekend residential course.

Mr Moulds is now looking for retired therapists, dieticians and medical staff who may be interested in helping at the camp so that costs can be reduced for people on low incomes. He is also keen to hear from people who would like to enter into the weight-loss programme. He can be contacted by calling 01284 810446.